BOOK FUN MAGAZINE - FREE READ

How did you get the idea for Seaside Letters? What was your inspiration?

Seaside Letters is about a woman who’s hiding. Hiding from love, hiding from God. We all hide sometimes, and I wanted to explore the reasons we hide, the methods we use, and the extent to which we might go.

When I considered how to show a character who’s hiding, I thought, what better way to hide in our world than behind a computer? Seeing as how You’ve Got Mail is my favorite movie, the idea held a lot of appeal. Though Seaside Letters involves soul mates who bond online, that is where the similarities between my book and the movie end. It was great fun to put my own special twist on the concept!

Since this book included many of the emails sent back and forth to the characters before each chapter, did it make this book harder to write or easier? I liked that aspect of the book. It made me feel like I was getting a sneak peek into their on-line world.

In some ways it made it harder and in some ways it made it easier. It was easy to slip in information I wanted the reader to know without having to show it in a scene. But it was hard to keep track of what the reader did and didn’t yet know. Sabrina is reading the emails in “present day” that she wrote months before, so it was hard keeping track of what she did and didn’t know also. It was almost like writing a time travel story—and let me tell you, I don’t have the brain to track that kind of thing!

What was your favorite scene to write in Seaside Letters? What was your most difficult to write? Why?

My favorite scene to write was probably the one where Tucker brings home the cat. The feline causes Sabrina’s allergies to flare up which puts her in a difficult spot. That was a fun one. I also loved writing all the romantic scenes--the first kiss and the final scene. : ) That said, the final scene was also the most difficult because I so wanted to get that one right. I always want the reader to feel content and fulfilled at the end, so I work really hard to make sure that final scene is just right.

Is being an author everything you thought it would be? If not, what has been surprising to you?

Being an author is more than I dreamed it would be. 13 years ago, I set out to see if I could write a book, and now I have a whole career. It’s not only my dream job, but it’s allowed me to be home with my kids and meet so many wonderful new friends—the people at Thomas Nelson, my writer friends, and my reader friends. It’s opened a whole new world for me!

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? If not, how did you get into writing for a career?

I was interested in writing in high school, but mostly just poetry and short stories. Writing a novel didn’t occur to me until I was about 20, but I was in college, and then I got married, then kids came along. I put the dream on the back burner. I had two small children ages 4 and 1 at the time and writing seemed like the impossible task. I had boys, and they never sat still! How was I supposed to write a novel?

But then my grandfather died, and I realized I didn’t want to reach the end of my life with a pocketful of “if onlys”, so I determined I was going to find a way to write that novel. I started my first manuscript within weeks of his death, writing while my boys napped, and (by God’s grace) it was published two years later.

I’m sure you must be working on a brand new book by now; can you tell us a little something about what this series will be about? Any sneak peeks for us about what we can look forward to?

I Just finished the final book in the Nantucket series, which will be released in July 2010. It’s called Driftwood Lane and features a heroine who inherits 3 siblings she’s never met and a run-down Bed and Breakfast on Nantucket. QUESTIONS I KNOW YOU WANTED TO ASK DENISE BUT WERE AFRIAD TO SO I DID!! "D

If you had 24 hours to hang out with anyone TWO PEOPLE alive or dead in the history of the world (besides Jesus); what two people would you pick & Why? What would you do?

Jesus’ mother Mary. I’d ask her a bunch of questions. What was Jesus like as a child? How did you handle a perfect child? What did you teach him? How much did you know about his future?

The other person is Beth Moore. I already feel like I know her from all the Bible studies I’ve done, but she’s been such a blessing to me, I’d like to tell her that in person.

Where did you live growing up? What did you like about growing up there?

I grew up in southern Ohio. What did I love about it? The hills! Oh, I miss the hills. I live in northern Indiana now, and it’s flat as can be.

Name three jobs that you’ve had that might surprise people?

I worked at a Big Boy drive thru, I served donuts at a donut shop (and I am NOT a morning person), and I’ve taught gymnastics.

What movie greatly impacted you as a child? Why?

When I was kid, I saw a movie about killer bees. Scared me to death—and I’m still scared of bees.

Name four of your favorite books read as a child?

The Little House books were the only ones I remember by title in my elementary years. Once I hit Junior High I fell in love with Jane Eyre and lots of other love stories whose titles I can’t remember.

You’ve been given the opportunity to us a time machine and visit any TWO events in the history of the world. Which TWO events would you pick and why?

I’d love to have seen the creation of the world—to have seen everything spoken into being—just because it would be so awesome, and because it would just be me and God. Then I’d see Jesus’ crucifixion because I think it would radically change me forever.

Sleepless in Seattle(Denise you've named the movies near and dear to my heart. I haven't seen The Lake House--now that you've mentioned it I'm going to have to rent it!! :D)

If you had one free afternoon to do anything you wanted to do what would that be?

I’m a homebody. I’d probably start a fire in the fireplace and curl up with a good book. : )

How exciting for you to see your book printed in other languages. Love the cover!!

THANKS Denise for stopping by and letting us get to know you and your books better. I'm looking foward to talking to you on the phone for our book club meeting when we discuss the Seaside Letter. I really enjoyed this book. It takes You've Got Mail to a whole new level!!

Bessings to you. Remember if you are even in the Atlanta area, you'll have to stop by and speak to my ladies live.

Sincerely,

Nora :D

LEAVE A COMMENT ABOUT THE INTERVIEW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF SURRENDER BAY!!

DRAWING WILL BE FEBRUARY 7th - PLEASE LEAVE A WAY FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO CONTACT YOU SHOULD YOU WIN!!

CONGRATS GOES TO JACKIE SMITH - You've Won a copy of Surrender Bay. THANKS to everyone for stopping by and encouraging the author and me. You are going to LOVE Denises' books.

Blessings

Nora :D

****DISCLAIMER: Entering the give away is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. Void where prohibited; open U.S. residents and Canadian residents only, odds of winning depend on number of entrants *****

I would love to win this book! Sounds right up my alley! I love all of Denise's favorite movies, but I would add The Wedding Planner and maybe Sweet Home Alabama too. The Lake House is amazing! You must see it Nora! Cool!

I really enjoyed this interview.I think it is so amazing how you can take a basic idea,and turn it into a great novel.I look forward to reading this book please enter me into the draw thanks and God blessKelliekellielovesanthony@gmail.com

I really liked this interview. The questions were so interesting and informative. I found so many things in common with her. I thought it was her writing style but I think if we met at the chocolate shop we would become instant friends. I also would love to have a chat with Mary! How interesting that would be..Please enter me in the contest. This is the series I am waiting to read next! lilquackerjack@yahoo.com

In the last year I've read two of Denise's books; The Convenient Groom and Seaside Letters... they were wonderful! Denise just touches the heart in a way you can't forget. I'd love to win Surrender Bay. Thanks!

Really good interview! Seaside Letters is on my list of books to read. Sure can relate to Denise Hunter and her likes and dislikes. You've Got Mail is one of my all-time favorite movies. I think I would enjoy any of this author's books! And I hope she can get to Nora's book club sometime.

I sense I would like this author because we share several passions: Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail are a few of my favorite movies. I would also count Charlotte BRonte's and Laura Ingalls Wilder's books as probably my favorites of all time (along with Anne of Green Gables). Would love to read and compare to You've Got Mail. julesreffner@gmail.com

I loved the interview, especially the questions you asked. It's a nice change from the way most interviews are done and I love that you added pictures for the things she answered. It's a lot easier to look through the pictures and read small blurbs than page after page of writing. She picked some very good movies to watch over and over :) I think I would have picked: A walk to remember, The note book, The Mask and Romeo and Juliet.

I have watched Pride and prejudice over and over and Princess Bride, but otherwise don't watch things many times!!! Well, growing up Brother Sun sister moon, not sure that counts! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

BOOK REVIEWS

REVIEW DISCLAIMER:
Most books reviewed on this site have been given to me. Other's I've bought. I state that in the review.
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Books are so subjective. Authors work hard at their craft and I will not shoot them down. Not everyone likes the same things. Some books I loved others didn't. My job as a former book club leader and current book reviewer is to give you a sneak peak into the book kind of like a film critic gives their opinion and a movie trailer to check out. I will give you a book clip. You decide if you like it or not!
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